KABUL: The World Bank (WB) has resumed work on three big projects worth $450 million focused on the country’s health, agriculture and livelihoods.
However, the WB would maintain a hold on some $150 million for some education projects.
The World Bank put four projects worth $600 million on hold amid increasing concerns over a decision by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) to temporarily stop girls from returning to high schools in the country. But the bank’s guidance requires all ARTF-financed activities to support access to and equity of services for both women and girls in Afghanistan, the bank said, citing its deep concerns over the temporarily ban on girls attending high school in the country.
As a result, the bank said, the four projects would be presented to ARTF donors for approval only
“when the World Bank and international partners have a better understanding of the situation and
confidence that the goals of the projects can be met.” It is worth mentioning that the World Bank has recently said that Afghanistan is facing with an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.
The Kabul Times